In our mind the Forbidden City is a myth, a symbol of a distant fairy-tale world, not a real place to travel. The center of power of the imperial China, however, is a place so beautiful as it is real and it is certainly one of the greatest assets of humanity. The extent of the area is really huge, over 700 thousand square kilometers, virtually a city within a city. Zijin Cheng (Purple City) was formed by a collection of palaces, temples and buildings, enclosed by massive walls, in which live the imperial family. The Forbidden City was built in 1406 by order of the Ming emperor Zhu Di when he moved the capital back to Beijing, and until 1911 was the residence of 24 monarchs.
- The Forbidden City, China.
The area is surrounded by massive walls, about 10 meters high, with massive towers guarding the four sides, and a wide moat. To access the most important areas we must first pass the main entrance, the Meridian Gate, and then the Gate of Supreme Harmony, at this point you are in the famous square, immortalized in countless films, where the military parades and most important celebrations occured. On the square lies the Palace of Supreme Harmony, terrace bank built of stone, 40 meters high, is the tallest building and imposing throughout the Forbidden City. In fact, it was here that the most important ceremonies and arguements between the Emperor and his dignitaries were held, sitting on the imposing golden throne.
Beyond the building is the courtyard, where the imperial family lived, in particular, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, representing Yang, was the residence of the emperor, in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, or Yin, lived the first wife, while the Union was built between the two to represent the balancing act between the two elements.All around the main buildings there are other smaller buildings, reserved for the emperor’s concubines and children, as well as richly decorated temples and gardens. Today visiting the Forbidden City is like stepping back in time to admire the treasures of the emperors. The rooms are like a museum which exhibits furniture, miscellaneous items and part of the imperial treasury.
By Elsi H
Photo: David, photo 2: Howard Cheng Photography
